Are there any options for fold crimping a 12ga 3.5" hull besides a MEC?
I do not trim my 3.5" hulls and currently roll crimp. Some shells are okay and other too long to cycle in an auto.
I've tried trimming hulls but couldn't find a consistent method.
Nothing against a MEC but don't want to spend the money just to fold crimp.
12ga 3.5" fold crimp
- Hoobilly
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Re: 12ga 3.5" fold crimp
Nothing cheaper than a used Mec. I bought a regular Jr and set it up for 3.5”
A steel master 3.5” is about twice the price
A steel master 3.5” is about twice the price
- Southern Sportsman
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Re: 12ga 3.5" fold crimp
Cheap, easy, and consistent method for hull trimming:
http://www.gobblernation.com/phpBB3/vie ... 18&t=16241
Load a new, untrimmed hull and mark it with a pen at 1/4” above the OS card. Unload the hull. Insert your dowel rod to the bottom of the hull and drill a small hull on your mark through the hull and into the dowel. Insert exacto blade into the hole in your dowel rod angled very slightly towards the hull. Twist the hull towards the sharp edge and slide the dowel down. Voilà. Perfectly trimmed hull to exact length in about 1 second per hull. You’ll have about $3 in the whole operation.
If the load calls for the thicker clear OS disc, you can use a cardboard OS and save a little length since you’re trimming anyway.
http://www.gobblernation.com/phpBB3/vie ... 18&t=16241
Load a new, untrimmed hull and mark it with a pen at 1/4” above the OS card. Unload the hull. Insert your dowel rod to the bottom of the hull and drill a small hull on your mark through the hull and into the dowel. Insert exacto blade into the hole in your dowel rod angled very slightly towards the hull. Twist the hull towards the sharp edge and slide the dowel down. Voilà. Perfectly trimmed hull to exact length in about 1 second per hull. You’ll have about $3 in the whole operation.
If the load calls for the thicker clear OS disc, you can use a cardboard OS and save a little length since you’re trimming anyway.
Last edited by Southern Sportsman on March 17th, 2020, 10:39 am, edited 1 time in total.
I go stubbornly into error by myself, and reach my own fallacious conclusions using my own faulty data. ~Tom Kelly
Re: 12ga 3.5" fold crimp
Hey hoobilly and Southern Sportsman thanks for the feedback.
I do use the cardboard osc. Given both options I'll have to figure out the best route. May try trimming hulls again.
I do use the cardboard osc. Given both options I'll have to figure out the best route. May try trimming hulls again.
- Southern Sportsman
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- Joined: February 24th, 2013, 12:32 am
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Re: 12ga 3.5" fold crimp
I don’t shoot them anymore, but I’ve trimmed many of the 3.5” hulls like this for use in Benellis and never had a problem. You don’t have to trim much either.
I go stubbornly into error by myself, and reach my own fallacious conclusions using my own faulty data. ~Tom Kelly
Re: 12ga 3.5" fold crimp
I'll check it out.Southern Sportsman wrote: ↑March 17th, 2020, 11:10 am I don’t shoot them anymore, but I’ve trimmed many of the 3.5” hulls like this for use in Benellis and never had a problem. You don’t have to trim much either.